By Edwin Fernandez
DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur – Twenty-three Moro extremists involved in violent extremism in Maguindanao del Sur chose the right path after surrendering to the government Monday.
Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB), presented the surrenderers to Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, at the 6IB headquarters in Barangay Buayan in this town.
Burkley said the 23 belonged to Dawlah Islamiya (DI) splintered factions that operate in the towns of Datu Salibo, Mamasapano, Midsayap, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Datu Hoffer, and Ampatuan.
They turned in 23 assorted war materiel, including grenade launchers and 60mm mortars.
Burkley said as part of their reintegration process, the surrenderers will get two agriculture tractors, sprayers, 42 sacks of rice from local officials, and cash assistance.
“Kareem,” one of the surrenderers, said that they had realized it was wrong to join the violent extremist group.
“We know living with our families is better than fighting a lost cause. We really appreciate this government program of reconciliation,” Kareem told reporters in the vernacular.
Catu told the former combatants that their decision to come down, lay down their guns, and abandon a pointless struggle was a wise and correct choice.
“You not only saved yourself but also your families and loved ones. You save your children, who are the ultimate victims of violent extremism,” he told the surrenderers.
Over the weekend, the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion also welcomed the surrender of war materiel from civilians from the Bangsamoro Region Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato province.
The surrendered weapons included .50-caliber sniper rifles, mortar tubes, and assault rifles. (PNA)
